Can self employed people ever claim contribution based JSA?

[Claireodon]

Since leaving school I have always been in employment but due to ill health after the birth of my 2nd dc I left my job in Sept 09 and became self employed. Since then I have only worked 15 hours per week on a s/e basis and am now looking for employment again as we are struggling to manage financially. Would I be entitled to JSA given my contributions up until Sept 09 or will the fact I am s/e rule me out completely?

I think if you claimed now they would look at the tax years 07/08 08/09 so you should be ok. Make a claim and see. You S/E earnings would be taken into account as well but still worth trying.

Future claims will depend on the class of the contribution you have paid. So seek advise as the cheapest class gives you very little protection in terms of benefits